Ksamil, Sarandë — August 18, 2026: Police in Sarandë have questioned 38 people as part of the investigation into the fatal stabbing of a young Portuguese tourist in the early hours of Tuesday at the “Principote” venue in Ksamil.
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| Police and investigators examining the cordoned-off "Principote" beach venue in Ksamil, Sarandë, following the fatal stabbing of 20-year-old Portuguese tourist L. V. |
Police Detain Security Guard Suspected of Helping Suspect Escape
Among those detained is 24-year-old Moisid Matushaj, a resident of Gjirokastër who works as an Assistant Crime Investigation Specialist at the Gjirokastër Local Directorate of Border Police.
Matushaj is suspected of helping Sokrat Vata leave the scene following the stabbing.
According to investigators, the two men worked together as bodyguards for Elite Security at the Principote venue in Ksamil. Police are examining whether Matushaj used his position to assist Vata in escaping after the incident.
Investigators are also examining the role of a Turkish couple who were allegedly transporting Vata in their vehicle toward Tirana when police intercepted them.
Authorities are reportedly investigating whether Vata also worked as a bodyguard for the Turkish national.
Another Man Wanted by Police
Police have also declared 36-year-old Bekim Bulica wanted.
According to the investigation, Bulica was present at the scene of the incident and subsequently left toward Tirana, allegedly in an attempt to avoid questioning by authorities.
Investigators are working to establish his exact role and whether he had any involvement in the events that preceded or followed the fatal stabbing.
Victim Was Portuguese, Not French
Authorities have also corrected the nationality and identity information initially released about the victim.
The tourist was initially reported as being French and was identified in preliminary information by the initials M. M. Police later corrected the information after investigators located his identification document.
According to the updated police statement, the victim was a Portuguese citizen, identified by the initials L. V., born on September 27, 2005.
The correction means that the victim was 20 years old at the time of the incident, despite some initial reports referring to him as 21.
Police said the initial identification as French was based on the preliminary information available immediately after the incident.
Investigation Into Turkish Nationals Continues
A key part of the investigation is now focused on the two Turkish nationals whose vehicle was allegedly used to transport Sokrat Vata toward Tirana.
Police are working to determine whether the couple knowingly assisted the suspect and what circumstances led to Vata being inside their vehicle after the killing.
The involvement of the Turkish nationals has not been legally established, and their role remains under investigation.
The investigative team is continuing its work under the direction of the Prosecution, with the aim of fully documenting the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities are expected to provide further information once the initial investigative actions have been completed.
What We Know So Far
- 38 people have been questioned by Sarandë Police.
- Sokrat Vata, 29, has been detained as the main suspect in the killing.
- Moisid Matushaj, 24, has been detained over suspicions that he helped Vata escape.
- Bekim Bulica, 36, has been declared wanted.
- Two Turkish nationals are being investigated over their possible role in transporting Vata toward Tirana.
- The victim was initially reported as French but has since been confirmed by police as a Portuguese citizen.
- The victim was identified by the initials L. V., born September 27, 2005.
- The investigation remains ongoing under the direction of the Prosecution.
All individuals other than the victim are presumed innocent unless and until their responsibility is established by a final court decision.